Blooma Blossoms: Our Babies-2007 & 2008

Oh, how we love our Blooma Blossoms! Babies are the heart of our studio!

December 2008
27th-Jonah; 24th-Lucy; 21st-Chase, Pieta; 19th-Evan; 18th-Alice Jane; 17th-Maks, Bluma
November 2008
21st-Rebecca; 13th-Samuel Bryant
October 2008
26th-Wellstone; 23rd-Elijah; 13th-Ada; 8th-Lily and Mayer; 7th-Leo

September 2008
26th-Amalia; 24th-Oliver McLean; 23rd-Baby Tessie; 19th-Sam; 9th-Emma; 7th-Adelaide; 6th-Calin
August 2008
31st-Henry; 28th-Jackson; 25th-Baby Leni, Baby Reese; 24th-Tim; 21st-Baby Finn; 19th-Baby Lorcan, Baby Helen; 16th-Olivia Elizabeth; 9th-Wyatt; 8th-Baby Hendrix, Baby Owen; 6th-Baby Alia Claire; 1st-Baby Nina, Baby Beckett
July 2008
30th-Baby Ella; 29th-Baby Ryder, Baby Sasha; 18th-Baby Campbell; 12th-Milena, Lucia; 11th-Baby Averie; 7th-Baby Drexel; 2nd-Baby Beckett

June 2008
24th-Baby Rasana; 13th-Baby Ethan, Baby Owen; 10th-Baby Juliana, Baby Jack
May 2008
30th-Baby Evan; 26th-Baby Quinn; Baby Luke; 25th-Reese; 19th-Baby Hazel; 15th-Baby Sullivan; 13th-Baby Malin; 12th-Baby Isla; 8th-Baby Owen, Baby Graham; Baby Charlie; 6th-Baby Nolan
also this month: Baby Bridget
April 2008
27th-Baby Aden; 21st-Baby Chloe; 14th-Baby Paxton; 13th-Baby Arabella; 11th-Baby Wilder
also this month: Baby Marco David

March 2008
6th-Baby Emily, Baby Cole
February 2008
26th-Baby Eleanor; 19th-Baby Priya
also this month: Baby Andres
January 2008
23rd-Baby Redford; 21st-Baby Kaylen

Also this year: Baby Conor; Baby Tullah

December 2007
25th-Baby Babette

Blooma Blossom: Jonah

Jonah Halim

December 27, 2008
6:38 pm
6 pounds, 10.2 ounces
19 inches

This Month at Blooma, January 2009

TM@B

Workshops & events

* BYOB Partner class
Sat., Jan. 3, 2-3:30pm
$30/family

* Enlightened Mama Lamaze Childbirth Education
Sundays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25
1:30-4:30pm, $175

* Enlightened Baby baby care classes
Tuesdays: January 6, 13, 20, 27
12:15pm-1:45pm
$18 or class pass

*Couples Prenatal Birthing Intensive
Sat., Jan. 10
2-4:30pm, $75

* Body Image: Yoga & Writing Workshop
Sat., Jan. 10
4:45pm-6:45pm

* Amazing Marriage 101
Thurs., Jan. 15, 7-8:30pm
$25/person; $40/couple

* Breastfeeding for the Working Mom
Sat., Jan. 17
2-4:30pm, $50

* Kundalini yoga
Thurs., Jan. 22
7-9pm, $25

* Breastfeeding: the first month & beyond
Sat., Jan. 24
2-4:30pm, $50

* Personal Renewal Group for Moms
Meets once a month for 6 months. $150
Sundays, beginning Jan. 25, 5-7pm
or
Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 27, 7-9pm

* One Balanced Life workshop
Thurs., Jan. 29
7-9pm, $30

* CPR workshop for everyone
Sat., Jan. 31
2-5pm, $75

* Swami Mommies continuing education
Sun., Feb. 1
1:30pm-4:30pm, $40

* VBAC Chat Series: Choosing a Care Provider
Sun., Feb 1, 6-9pm
free

Kundalini yoga intro: Jan. 22, 2009

Awaken to Kundalini yoga. Deepen your yoga practice through a 90-minute exploration of body, mind and spirit.

Welcome 2009 with a traditional Kundalini yoga class taught by Helena Raghubir, owner of the Center for Happiness in Minneapolis. Kundalini, the yoga of awareness, works with the glandular system to remove obstacles for enlightened living.

This class will challenge participants in body, mind and spirit through a series of asanas. Through the unique movements of Kundalini (unlike the familiar vinyasa-style flows in our Yoga For You Classes), we will learn a new way to let go of old patterns and come to a state of complete balance and bliss. Come for asana, meditation and time shared with other Blooma friends!

Thursday, January 22, 2009
7-9pm
$25

Register (click, then scroll down)

Breastfeeding for the working mama: Jan. 17, 2009

The decision to breastfeed is a great one, but it can feel overwhelming & complicated for the working mom. Enlightened Mama is here to help! Through fun activities and group discussions, we'll cover pumps, when to start building up a supply of milk for your baby, strategies to integrate pumping into your workday, and how to maintain that special bond with your baby when you're home. Partners are invited to attend as well for no additional charge. Cost: $50 per mother Saturday, January 17, 2009 2-4:30pm Register (click, then scroll down)

Breastfeeding, beginning and beyond: Jan. 24, 2009

So you may have a really good idea how to establish breastfeeding, but what happens after the first few weeks? How does breastfeeding change as baby grows? The American Academy of Pediatrics states that babies should ideally receive only breast milk for the first 6 months of life with age-appropriate foods added after that time. We'll give you the information and strategies that you need to feel confident and successful in your goal to breastfeed 6, 9, 12 months and beyond! Partners are encouraged to attend for no additional charge.

2-4:30 pm
Saturday, January 24, 2009
$50 per mom

Register (click, then scroll down)

Keep your love life amazing: Jan. 15, 2009

Prioritize your love life this month! Amazing Marriage 101 is a 90-minute workshop for anyone who's in a committed relationship. It's especially helpful for couples who are parenting young children -- a rewarding task, of course, but also one that really takes it toll on a relationship. The research confirms that marital satisfaction takes a hit when the kids are little. It’s a tough time for family balance and often our marriages can end up on the back burner. Join us:

• hear the best in marriage research
• gain insight from stories taken from real-life marriage counseling sessions
• learn the normal developmental stages of marriage
  
• find out what it takes to have an amazing marriage

• Thursday, January 15, 7-8:30pm
  
• $25/person or $40/couple
• Register (click, then scroll down)

"The feedback that couples have given me is that this has been a lot more fun and a lot more helpful than they expected ... it has given them more hope and faith in their relationship," says facilitator Maureen Campion, psychologist, marriage counselor and director of Parenting Oasis, who will share her passion for marriage and some practical advice about building a relationship for a lifetime. "Even the guys like it!"

Even if you can't attend, sign up for Maureen's weekly newsletter "Notes from a Marriage Geek".

VBAC Chat: Choosing a Care Provider: Feb. 1, 2009

Support & Options for Birthing Beyond Cesarean Section

When it comes to birthing, you have a choice about how, where, and with whom you bring your little one into the world. But it's not always easy to know how to go about making those choices. Join us at Blooma for a candid conversation about your options for birth: From changing care providers late in pregnancy to researching your options for birth after Cesarean section, we can help.

Who's Invited: Cesarean mamas who are wondering about their options for future births, and moms-to-be planning for a vaginal or home birth after Cesearan (VBAC/HBAC).

What: An afternoon of shared stories, candid conversation, and lots of information to help you find the right birthing path for you and your family.

When: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, 6-9pm.

Where: Blooma, of course!

Why: To help mamas understand the full range of choices available in childbirth. We'll cover Cesarean support, VBAC, and HBAC options. We'll share stories, spend time journaling about birth experiences and expectations, review the birthing options in the Twin Cities, and take time for a Q&A session.

Fee: Free! But please do sign up at Blooma (Register ... click, then scroll down).

This afternoon session is geared toward women who have had a Cesarean birth or would like to know more about Cesarean birth. It is intended to help women process a prior Cesarean experience, inform women who are planning a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC), and raise awareness in women who are expecting their first child. Spouses, partners, and labor companions are welcome & encouraged to attend.

Body Image workshop: January 10, 2009

How we view our bodies is largely influenced by the stories we tell ourselves about them. Through yoga, body memory, and writing, explore the origin of our personal body stories and how those stories shape our physical journey through life. Join us for an early evening of writing and yoga with Blooma Teacher Cori Levin and writer Roxanne Sadovsky. Sat 1/10/2009 4:45pm-6:45pm Register (click, then scroll down) About your guides: Cori Levin welcomed yoga into her life in 2005 when she needed guidance beyond the advice of family and friends. The following year, she deepened her practice while turning inward in preparation for pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Yoga allowed her to stay present with all the beautiful changes going on inside her body. Cori completed the Corepower Vinyasa teacher training program in 2007. She continues to learn from her yoga mentors and her students, and she recognizes that her yoga journey is continuously evolving and growing. Her mentors and her students see Cori as a caring and nurturing teacher who has a true presence about herself. She teaches her students to follow their heart, both on and off the mat! Cori lives with her husband, Gennady, in Minneapolis , and she is proud that yoga has become the foundation of her and her daughter Zoraya’s life. Roxanne Sadovsky, MA, MFA is a Twin Cities freelance writer and teacher with a focus on writing as healing. Her gentle and supportive approach to group facilitation creates a safe and inspiring environment for students to use writing to explore themes and memories surrounding living a whole life. She holds a masters degree in counseling psychology from Antioch University Seattle and creative nonfiction from The University of Minnesota and currently teaches at the Loft Literary Center. She currently writes the "Commitments" column for Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, and has been published in Twin Cities Jewish Life, aislesay.com, Minnesota Monthly, Twin Cities Wellness, Utne, The Seattle Times, Seattle Magazine, Cafe 80s, Show and Tell, Byline, and many more. She lives in South Minneapolis with her husband, 14 month-old son Jude, and 2 cats. She is grateful for this opportunity to co-facilitate with such magical women warriors!

Partner BYOB: Jan. 3, 2009

You and the little one have been to BYOB Yoga Bonding, now get your partner in on the baby-n-me yoga action!

Join us Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 2pm to 3:30pm $30 for a BYOB Partner class tailored to families!

We'll start with yoga for baby, then move into a practice for caregivers, bringing baby along for the ride. Imagine warrior II with baby perched on your bent leg! We'll sing a few songs, snuggle and laugh with baby, and even have time for a quiet savasana at the end. And don't forget to bring your camera!

This workshop is ideal for babies from newborns until just before they're crawling off the yoga mat!

There is a 12-family limit. You can register by visiting Blooma.com and clicking on Schedule. Once you're on the scheduler site, choose the Workshops tab to find the sign up screen.

Or, just give us a call at Blooma: 952 848 1111

See you Saturday!

Blooma Blossom: Baby Lucy

Baby Lucy
December 24, 2008

6:44pm
7lbs 7oz
20 inches long
Healthy, happy, and amazing!

Blooma Blossom: Pieta

Pieta Jeanne
December 21, 2008
4:24am

Mama Birdie says: We loved Woodwinds - thanks so much for the all the info and encouraging us to change hospitals and practices. Our experience was amazing. I ended up not using any drugs/meds. It was very hard but went good. I used a lot of stuff from Yoga class. See you at Blooma soon. Can't wait to get back!

Blooma Blossom: Chase

Chase Michael
12-21-08
12:44 pm
7lbs 11oz
22 inches

Mama Mandy says: My goal and motivation for this birth was: fast, easy delivery! And that was the case! After being 4 days overdue, Chase was more than ready and eager to make his appearance. I labored at home from 8am to 11:45am on Dec. 21. Dad was more than ready to get to the hospital and that was a good thing! He loaded the car and as soon as mom got into the car, contractions went from a 4/5 pain level to a 8/9. We pulled into the parking ramp at 12:06 pm. Dad couldn't find a spot right away! Finally we got into admitting. I went through two contractions and was rushed to the delivery room to be checked -- I was at an 8! Two more contractions and Chase was ready to see the world. I pushed three hard times and that was it. Dad didn't have to do a thing this time, just let me squeeze his hand very hard. All the yoga and breathing practice helped get us through. Also learning the word "out" from Sarah and saying that over and over until Chase came was a huge help! Overall, the three of us are doing great!

Personal Renewal Groups now forming at Blooma

What: A supportive, nurturing, empowering group for mothers created specifically to explore and learn

1. how to “reconnect” with who you are
2. strategies for making self-care a priority so you can live, love, and parent optimally, and
3. how to experience greater life balance.

Each monthly session includes discussion, exercises, reflection time, and much more. Develop community and meaningful connection with other women. These groups are based on the exciting new book The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate, and Re-Balance Your Life by Renee Trudeau.

Fee: $150, includes the price of the book. Sign up soon space is limited.
When: Meets once a month for two hours for six months.
Two groups starting in January.
The 4th Sunday - Starts January 25th from 5-7
The 4th Wednesday - Starts January 28th from 7-9

Register (click, then scroll down)

Workshop: One Balanced Life

Does your life feel out of balance? In this fun and creative workshop you will learn about balance and self-care. During the first hour you’ll be guided through an exercise where we’ll assess your life, clarify what is important, and finish by identifying and designing the life you desire.

In the second hour you will get to create a "Balance Box" using pictures from magazines, books, papers, buttons, stamps, whatever supplies appeal, that represent how you want to "be" in 2009. You’ll leave with the box filled with small steps you can take to create the life you want in the New Year. (All supplies included but feel free to bring pictures, poems, fabric, or anything else you want to adorn your box with).

Fee: $30
When: Thursday January 29th, 2009, 7-9pm

Call Blooma to sign up: 952 848 1111
Or register online (click, then scroll down).

Blooma Blossom: Baby Evan

Baby Evan Michael
December 19, 2009
5:43pm

Mama Elizabeth says: "Thank you for everything!!!"

Do your yoga for good!

Karma yoga is a form of yoga that is done expressly for the benefit of others. It's a chance to give while expecting nothing in return, and it nearly always leaves your heart feeling lighter and your spirit feeling like it's doing the good that it was made to do.

This month, we're making it easy for you to practice a little karma yoga. Off the Mat, Into the World is a campaign supported by renowned yogini Sean Corne to help Cambodian orphans. If you'll dedicate your practice to the cause this month, we'll donate your class fee. Thanks to the generosity of our instructors who've volunteered their time to teach, we are donating 100% of the funds from several December classes. Please join us for these good karma events:

• Saturday, December 6
  Blooma Belly Prenatal
• Monday, December 15
  BYOB: Bring Your Own Baby
• Sunday, December 21
  Take it Easy with Bridgett Erickson

Blooma Blossom: Alice Jane

Baby Alice Jane
Thursday, December 18, 2008
7:12 AM
7 lb 4 oz
20 inches

Mama Eva says: Alice, Adam and I have been home since Friday - learning how to be a family of three and loving every minute!

Blooma Blossom: Bluma

Bluma Jean
December 17, 2008
7 pounds, 11 ounces

Mama Molly says: Thanks for the Yoga!!

Blossom: Maks

Maks
December 17, 2008

Mama Sarah says: We are enjoying every second with Maks! Thank you for helping me to "stay well"!

Eco-tips for mamas

IdealBite.com, a green-tip-a-day web site, has launched MamaBite with eco-friendly ideas just for mamas. If you're searching for MamaBites on a specific topic, check out the tip library.

Do your yoga for good!

Karma yoga is a form of yoga that is done expressly for the benefit of others. It's a chance to give while expecting nothing in return, and it nearly always leaves your heart feeling lighter and your spirit feeling like it's doing the good that it was made to do.

This month, we're making it easy for you to practice a little karma yoga. Off the Mat, Into the World is a campaign supported by renowned yogini Sean Corne to help Cambodian orphans. If you'll dedicate your practice to the cause this month, we'll donate your class fee. Thanks to the generosity of our instructors who've volunteered their time to teach, we are donating 100% of the funds from several December classes. Please join us for these good karma events:

• Saturday, December 6
  Blooma Belly Prenatal
• Monday, December 15
  BYOB: Bring Your Own Baby with Jennifer Wetherall
• Sunday, December 21
  Take it Easy with Bridgett Erickson

Blooma Playlists

Love what you hear in class? Here are a few of our teacher faves:

• Sarah's grooving to Adele.
• Snatam Kaur is a prenatal classic.
• The deep and deeply moving tones of Krishna Das are another Blooma fave.
• Jennifer C. shares her playlists on her web site.
• Jesi R. plays a funky mellow mix:
  gayatri luscious chill mix -- wah
  homeward angel -- moby
  hey world don't give up -- michael franti and spearhead
  paper planes -- m.i.a.
  fields of gold (acoustic) -- sting
  ambient blend -- thievery corporation
  satyam shivam sundaram -- thievery corporation
  good feeling -- ramadanman
  govinda jaya jaya -- donna de lory
  gunghata -- dave stringer and donna de lory
  song 2 -- dj crush
  rare earth/the forest for thieves -- bombay dub orchestra
  shiva's flute -- shaman's dream
  namaste -- lea longo
  love is my religion (acoustic) -- ziggy marley
  let my love open the door -- pete townshend
  
  

What do you have to know about yoga to practice at Blooma? Nothing!

Here's what Abbie J., mother of two, shared with us about her first experience with yoga and Blooma:

"I've never taken yoga before. Last Friday and this Monday were my first two classes--EVER. It was obvious that there were people who REALLY knew their stuff, but the atmosphere was so pleasant and welcoming that I didn't feel intimidated at all. I just left feeling like I want to take more and more classes. The focus felt like it was about taking the time for myself, to re-fuel myself, to be a better "myself"!!!"

Mama Friends, Blooma Buds

Nothing sweeter than raising your kiddos with your friends! Carin and Maggie shared this picture with us, so excited that both boys--Isaiah and Finn--were awake at the same time for once! You know they're really growing up when they stop sleeping through playdates ;-)

Before you decorate the nursery...

Decorate the belly! Henna art is a beautiful, temporary way to decorate your belly in celebration of the life growing within! Sarah, local henna artist and owner of SaraCura, offers this explanation:

"Henna has been a tradition around the world for millennia. This simple bush leaf is responsible for many long-lasting temporary designs. A variety of cultures have traditions associated with Mehndi, the art of henna application. The most famous are India’s wedding extravaganzas. Another beautiful tradition is the decoration of pregnant bellies. It is said to protect the unborn and to bring an easy, safe birth for the mother."

Sarah loves to decorate bellies! If you're considering a Blessing Way, henna is a sweet ritual for you and your friends and family. Learn more about Sarah's henna at www.saracura.com/henna.html or call Blooma (952 848 1111) to find out about scheduling a henna party or adding henna to your Blessing Way.

Do your yoga for good

Karma yoga is a form of yoga that is done expressly for the benefit of others. It's a chance to give while expecting nothing in return, and it nearly always leaves your heart feeling lighter and your spirit feeling like it's doing the good that it was made to do.

This month, we're making it easy for you to practice a little karma yoga. Off the Mat, Into the World is a campaign supported by renowned yogini Sean Corne to help Cambodian orphans. If you'll dedicate your practice to the cause this month, we'll donate your class fee. Thanks to the generosity of our instructors who've volunteered their time to teach, we are donating 100% of the funds from several December classes. Please join us for these good karma events:

• Saturday, December 6
  Blooma Belly Prenatal with Sarah Longacre
• Monday, December 15
  BYOB: Bring Your Own Baby with Jennifer Wetherall
• Sunday, December 21
  Take it Easy with Bridgett Erickson

Expectant mamas, bare those bellies!

Renowned photog Nigel Barker is looking to do a coffee table book of photos of pregnant women. He's looking for mamas from all walks of life to bare their bellies. Check it out!

Volunteer at Blooma!

Blooma gets a lot of love and support from its volunteers, who in turn get lots of love and gratitude--meaning great yoga classes for cheap!--from Blooma. About a half-dozen of our current volunteers are expectant mamas, which means they will soon have their hands full and we'll be needing some new wonderful Blooma friends to help us out. If you're interested in giving some time to Blooma, please let us know!

• Volunteer in the child care room
  
• Limited opportunities for front desk assistance and cleaning work
  
• Did we mention that we need help in the child care room?
• Shifts are 1.5 to 2 hours long
• 20% discount on retail
• For every 3 shifts worked, you can purchase a discounted 5-class pass for just $35
• Volunteers needed beginning in late December; we ask you to commit to 3 months of service
  
• We need you in the child care room!
  

Contact Julie at [[ Blooma.Julie @ gmail.com ]] if you're interested!

Blossom: Rebecca Ruth

Rebecca Ruth
Nov. 21, 2008
8 lbs 2 oz.
20 inches long

Mama Jess says: We had an amazing water birth, we were at the hospital for only 2 hours before she was born. My husband said that he thought my yoga experience at Blooma was a huge help for me dealing with contractions. Our boys are loving having a baby sister, and we are all looking forward to getting back in a yoga groove at Blooma very soon!

More Prenatal on Saturdays!

Last week, Blooma made history with its biggest class ever! 35 mamas and at least 35 babies ... the 70 of us were so cozy! Wellllll, maybe a little *too* cozy! Practicing mat to mat was something special, but let's be realistic: It's more comfortable to have some space for those pregnant bellies!

We're making room for baby by making some adjustments to the schedule. Starting the weekend of December 6, we're adding another prenatal class to Saturday mornings. And keep in mind that we have prenatal on Sunday morning, too!

Here's what the new schedule will look like:
weekend prenatal classes
Saturdays 9:30 - 10:45am with Sarah
Saturdays 11 - 12:15pm with Sarah
Sundays 9:30 - 10:45am with Bridgett

We also encourage you to pre-register for class to guarantee your spot. To keep the studio comfortable, we're going to limit the class size to 26 mamas. Sign up online or call (952 848 1111) to reserve your spot. Of course, you can still drop in. Here's how it works: We'll give priority to all the mamas who pre-registered for class, and we'll give you a 5-minute grace period if you're running late. But if you aren't there by then and there are other mamas waiting to get in to the class, you'll lose your spot. So sign up in advance, arrive on time, and enjoy your practice!

Be Blooma Well

In the Blooma spirit of nurturing yourself, come learn about the six fundamentals of wellness:

• thoughts
• breathing
• hydration
• nutrition
• exercise
• sleep

We will talk about stress management, commercial vs. organic farming, and meditation. Learn ways to keep the entire family healthy. We will practice yoga too!

Given by: Jaime Pellegrene, certified CPT, Pilates and Yoga instructor, and Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Lifestyle Coach.

Cost: $60.00
Saturday, December 6
12:45pm-3:15pm

Call Blooma to register: 952 848 1111, or register online.

Family Yoga, December 14

Join Jesi Rosenberg on Saturday, December 14, for Family Yoga. This fun afternoon is a chance for parents and kids to experience the joy, relaxation, and connection of yoga together. No experience necessary, this class is filled with love and laughter for parents or care providers and their kiddos, ages 3 and up. Watch as the coordination of your child's growing body, mind, and personality are enhanced with an interactive yoga game, yoga poses, breath exercises and a mini-meditation.

Call 952.848.1111 for info and registration.
$30 per family, 3pm-4pm

Who says mamas can't party?

Mamas, you deserve a treat, and Life Coach Sarina LaMarche and Blooma have something sweet in mind for you! Relax, renew, and discover how to create a fabulously balanced life at our free Self-Renewal Party!

Based on the acclaimed book The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life, this is a party like none other!

• Transform mind, body, and soul through self-care
• Find time for you
• Share tips and swap ideas with other mamas about how to create life balance
• Talk about the national movement among women to better support mothers everywhere!

Join us!

• December 7th, 6-8pm
• The event is free, just be sure to register under the WORKSHOPS tab
• Bring a pen, a journal or notebook, and a pre-pregnancy photo that represents a time when you felt fantastic (note we said "felt" and not "looked" ... don't stress over finding the perfect pic!

Blooma Blossom: Baby Samuel Bryant

Baby Samuel Bryant
November 13, 2008
8 pounds, 1 ounce

Mama says: We welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world last Thursday, November 13th! Samuel Bryant arrived healthy and fit. We are home now and settling into life as a family of four. Big brother Rowan is very proud of his new role, and so far Sam is relaxed and snuggly.

This Month at Blooma, November 2008

this month at blooma
Workshops & events

* Movie Night at Blooma: Orgasmic Birth
November 12 7:15-9:45pm, recommended donation of $5

* HypnoBirthing childbirth education
Thursdays: Nov. 13 & 20 and Dec. 4 & 11
7-9pm, $350

* Prenatal Yoga Intensive for Couples
Friday, November 14
7-9:30pm, $75

* Pilates Workshop
Saturday, November 15, 12:30-2pm

* Prenatal Yoga Intensive for Couples
Saturday, November 22, 1-3:30pm

* Family Yoga
Sunday, November 23, 3-4pm, $30

Movie Night at Blooma: Orgasmic Birth

Join us in viewing "Orgasmic Birth," the movie the whole town's been talking about! (Well, at the least the whole birthing community, anyway!) This is a great film for expectant couples and for everyone who wants to know more about the experience of childbirth. As Sarah J. Buckley, MD, GP/family physician, and author of Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering says, this is "a phenomenal film with a scientifically validated message that is the perfect antidote to 21st century birthfright. Astonishing, thrilling, transformative.” Wow!

Other important details about movie night: It's Wednesday, November, 12. We'll serve popcorn, pop, and wine. The movie starts at 7:15 and we'll have a short discussion afterward. A $5 donation is recommended, but you are welcome to give whatever you can.

See you at the movies!

Blooma Blossom: Evan Wellstone

Evan Wellstone (goes by Wellstone)
October 26 at 9:09 am
8 lbs, 10 oz
21 inches

Mama Emily says: Labor was long & hard, but totally worth it and I'm so psyched I was able to deliver vaginally despite all the interventions and exhaustion I endured. I have (obviously) been thinking a lot about how it all went down and I'm really ok with it. The pitocin and the epidural were both necessary considering my situation, and they both did exactly what they were intended to to (speed up dilation and allow me some rest after being awake for 24 hours). I'm also certain that prenatal yoga was a major factor in Wells' excellent fetal condition during my long labor, and ultimately his correct position in my pelvis.

He's a GREAT baby and we are so thrilled. He's really alert and has amazing head control for being just a week old! He's sleeping for 3-hour increments at night, and breastfeeding is going really well. We're looking forward to postnatal/BYOB yoga after a couple more weeks of adjustment.

Inspired by Gurmukh

Blooma teacher Bridgett Erickson completed the Khalsa Way Prenatal teacher training in New York City this month.

The training was led by Gurmukh, a Kundalini-based pregnancy yoga teacher who has taught mamas-to-be for nearly three decades!

The training reinforced that every woman’s pregnancy and birth journey is unique, inspired and deeply personal experience. Look for a prenatal class taught by Bridgett on the Blooma schedule in November. Bridgett will share with you all she learned--including the absolute bliss experienced during a one-week vacation just for MOM! Her family was so happy to see her relaxed and refreshed after a week of yoga and meditation. It looks like a solo vacation may become a yearly occurrence!

Blooma Blossom: Baby Elijah John

Elijah John

October 23
9:33pm
7lbs 10 oz.
22 inches long

Mama says: "Thank you for the motivation, the strength, and the positive influence you had on me to make this day possible. My husband is a chiropractor and through a patient/friend of ours we found out about Blooma. I started my 35th week of pregnancy, and wished I had known about you guys earlier. Our goal was to have a natural child birth so we were up to trying anything. The chiro adjustments and yoga were the two things that helped me avoid the aches and pains of pregancy. I found my weekly prenatal yoga classes as a retreat from the stresses of the day and gained a great deal of knowledge during each session.

Elijah John was brought into this world on his 41st week in utero. My doctor wanted to induce me on this day and I held strong knowing that the baby would come when it wanted to and that a natural birth could not occur with any interventions. So, to make the doc happy we went in that morning for a non-stress test which turned out fine, and then returned that mid-afternoon "in labor." Throughout labor I concentrated on my breathing and relaxation, which helped me get through each contraction. I was in labor for 6 hours and pushed for 20 minutes. By 9:33pm my little guy was here. No drugs, no interventions, and our goal was accomplished, we had a natural child birth.

The biggest thing I found is that too often we are told we can't do it. I had so many people tell me when i was pregnant that I should just get the epidural and save myself the pain. The thing is, giving birth is a good pain, it's not going to kill you ... it's going to bring you the most beautiful thing you'll ever know AND with the right tools you can mentally turn the pain into a beautiful process. I used the saying found in the studio, "She believed she could, so she did" as motivation to get through each difficult contraction.

My husband was awesome too! He reminded me to relax once I tensed up and would breathe with me to help me concentrate. I also used your advice on NOT knowing how far along I was dilated, which totally rocked. Not knowing how far along I was allowed me to concentrate on what I was doing that moment, not how long I had left. When the nurse told me we were ready to start pushing I was shocked. So, not only did you teach me how to breathe through and relax during contractions, you gave me hope!!

Every session you guys gave us positive influence, by telling us that we have the strength to do this, that we are great mothers, and made us feel powerful. The yoga also helped strengthen my core and floor, which also helped during delivery. So, thank you for helping this day be possible and giving me the strength, the tools, and the positive influence to make it through and accomplish my goal. Women need this influence and need to know that a natural child birth is NOT impossible!! It's natural, the way the body intended it to be!!

I wish you the best with what's to come with Blooma and will keep referring people your way. Keep helping beautiful babies come into this world and keep telling those mommas to breathe!! Eli and I will be in for some classes once he gets accustomed to everything!! Again, THANK YOU!! for being such a positive part of Eli's birth!!

Love letter: Blessingway & Henna

Sarah,
Thank you so very much for the beautiful baby blessing ceremony! It was a treasured day that I will carry with me through my labor, delivery, and beyond. I love Blooma! You'll be seeing me there in the future...
Peace,
Julie H.

Blooma Blossom: Baby Ada

Baby Ada
October 13, 2008

Mama says:

Ada Lynn was born 7 glorious days early! Her birth was wonderful and beautiful and everything I wanted it to be. Thank you all for providing such an amazing, positive place for mamas and babies. I can't find words to express how much your support meant to me during these 9 months.

Blooma Blossom: Baby Mayer

Mayer Lynne
October 8, 2008
8 lbs 4 oz
21 inches

Mama says: What a WONDERFUL experience labor and delivery was! Thank you to Blooma to contributing to wonderful results :-) I look forward to being back soon!

Blooma Blossom: Baby Lily

Baby Lily
October 8, 2008

Blooma Blossom: Baby Leo

Baby Leo Marin
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
6:50pm
8lb. 15 oz.
21.25 inches long

Mama says: Leo was born one week before his due date. Here he is with his big sister, Eva, at their first meeting in the hospital. I want to say thank you to Sarah and to Blooma for the amazing prenatal yoga classes that helped me make it through this pregnancy with some peace
and perspective.

This Month at Blooma, October 2008

TM@B

Workshops & events for October 2008

* Partner Yoga
Thursday, October 2 7-9pm, $30/couple

* Enlightened Mama childbirth education
Saturdays: October 4 & 11
12:30-6:30pm, $175

* Swami Mommies yogic parenting course
Sundays: October 5
2-4pm, $125

* Preconception Planning, A Holistic Approach
Sunday, October 12
12:30-1:45pm, $35

*Heart Openers workshop for everyone
Saturday, October 18
1-3pm, $25

* Prenatal Yoga Intensive for Couples
Saturday, October 18
3:30-6pm, $75

* Belly to Belly prenatal yoga & discussion group
Sundays: October 19 & 26, November 2 & 9
12:30-2pm, $64

* BYOB Crawlers
Sunday, October 19
4:15-5pm, $18 or class pass